AN INJURY cloud hangs over star centre Matt Wundenberg as the Dominos Geraldton Buccaneers prepare for their battle against Cockburn Cougars at Tip Top Stadium tomorrow night.

The Buccs’ captain has been rock-solid under the bucket this year, said he aggravated an ankle injury at training this week and was a 50/50 chance of hitting the court.

With the finals just around the corner, Wundenberg said it was better to air on the side of caution.

"If it's going to be a bit sore than although we want to win this game I'll play it safe so we're ready for the finals," he said.

"Cockburn are a tall side but I'm confident if I don't play the boys will pick up the slack. But I'm doing everything I can to be ready for the weekend."

With the Buccs trailing the Cougars on the ladder by percentage, victory will see them leap frog from fourth to third, and put them in good stead for the finals next week.   

The last time the teams clashed, Ray Evans’ men recorded a hefty 24-point flogging, but the pendulum has swung against the Buccs of late. 

The Geraldton boys have lost five games on the trot and are struggling to recapture the winning form that saw them shoot to second on the ladder earlier in the season.

On the other side of the coin, the Cougars have found their stride; winning six of their past seven games.  

Buccs’ point-guard Daniel Thomas, who was traded earlier this year from Cockburn, said his team will have to stamp their authority on the game in the first stanza.

"We got to take to them and not wait for them to come to us and then have to be on the back foot the whole time," he said.

"We're going to have to pick up our defense. Our defense is going to be a big issue because they have six guys who can all put numbers on the board."

Thomas insisted that the key to stopping the Cougars winning momentum was to shut down Aussie duo - Alex Prince and Mark Jones.

"With Alex back in the team he provides a little bit of aggression. He's a very aggressive player, he plays hard and he'll definitely be the person to concentrate on.

"Since he's been back for them they haven't lost many." 

Coach, Ray Evans will be trying to erase from his mind last week's one-point defeat at the hands of the Stirling Senators.

"Last week we through the ball away too many times. We have to look after the ball a bit better," he said.

Evans said Saturday night would be vital game for the Buccs to win so they can cruise into the finals with a touch of gusto. 

"We obviously come up short in the last four weeks so we need to get a win to get a bit of confidence to get in the finals."

By Josh Burrows (Geraldton Guardian)
Photo by Travis Anderson